Edward John Schemm passed away March 10, 2012 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Ed was born December 27, 1933 in the family home in rural Todd County South Dakota to George and Marie (Paus) Schemm and resided there his entire life. He was baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church on January 14, 1934 and was confirmed June 29, 1947. Ed attended the Midway School through the eighth grade and graduated from Todd County High School in 1952.
In 1955 Ed enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany before his discharge in 1957.
On February 4, 1962 Ed was married to Carole Jackman in Ainsworth, NE. This union was blessed with three children: Lori, Linda, and Steven. Together they worked the farm where he grew up and raised their family where he lived until his death. He always said he was lucky because he enjoyed his work and reminded Carole to "look for the good in things".
Through the years, Ed served as a 4-H leader, on the ASCS committee and vocational boards.
Ed was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Valentine and served his Lord through his service in the church.
Square dancing was a favorite pastime for Ed and Carole and resulted in many friendships throughout South Dakota and Nebraska. In recent years, Ed & Carole enjoyed traveling to Germany, Hawaii, a Mexican cruise and the southern and western United States.
Ed also enjoyed playing cards and attending various activities of the grandkids. The family card games became a great family tradition as the grandchildren became older. He also looked forward to the Wednesday coffees held in the Lakeview community.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie, nephew Mark Schemm, and brother-in-law Wally Bazyn.
He is survived by his wife, Carole, of Valentine. Children Lori and husband Jerry Shelbourn of Valentine, Linda and husband Steve Dilsaver of Cheyenne, WY, and Steven and wife Cherie of Pella, IA. Fourteen grandchildren, Kevin, Lee and wife Amber, Ben, Joseph, Sarah, and Kenneth Shelbourn. Pat, Matt, Robert, and Shane Dilsaver, and Michael, David, Luke, and Jacob Schemm. Two great-grand children, Lane and MaKayla Shelbourn. Also surviving are sister Dorothy Bazyn of Valentine, brothers Harland and wife Jean of Valentine and Richard and wife Sue of Scottsbluff, NE, an aunt, Hildegard Schemm of Valentine, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services were held at the United Methodist Church at 2 PM on Friday, March 16, 2012 with interment following at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine with full military honors. Pastor Matt Krenke of Zion Lutheran Church of Valentine officiated.